Supervising Real Time Graphics Developer

Supervising Real Time Graphics DeveloperThis position is responsible for the creation, development and deployment of designs, animations, and real-time graphics directories at an expert level of understanding and skill. The Supervising Real Time Graphics Developer manages directory maintenance and new graphic builds specific to Ross Xpression independently or while leading a team. They communicate with teammates, partners, sponsors and executive-level stakeholders to help set expectations and ensure on-time delivery. They will lead a business segment requiring specialty knowledge of specific aspects of the products and services provided and created by the Graphics Innovation team. They will develop plant-wide workflows and processes, collaborating across organizations to implement and maintain. This role is expected to proactively provide and anticipate technical support themselves or by delegating. They manage the development and maintenance of training and on-boarding programs. This is a creative role that requires the ability to innovate, learn quickly and collaborate with others under varying deadlines to maintain the quality of ESPN on-air product.Preferred office location is Charlotte, NC; however, there is a possibility that the individual may be based in the Bristol, CT office.Responsibilities:Provide leadership in the technological growth of the department – driving innovation, researching new products, advising on potential vendors, and assisting with the stability and troubleshooting of our rendering, file storage and play out systemsOwn and manage a specialty business segment such as Ross Xpression, Vizrt, interactive, virtual studio, data visualization, augmented reality, etc.Manage a team of direct reportsPlan, build, maintain and update complex Ross Xpression graphic directories independently or while leading a team of developersProvide team leadership, direction, troubleshooting and support for innovative system or plant-wide workflowsPrimarily utilize Ross Xpression, some Vizrt, potential for Unreal Engine or HTML in the process of graphics creation, development, and deployment of the highest-level creativeUtilize other graphics software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After-Effects, Adobe Illustrator, and Cinema4D, to aid in the creation of designs and animationsUtilize and understand internal proprietary software and workflowsClearly communicate a creative vision and manage expectations with clients while ensuring effective delegation of assignments within Graphics Innovation Team while keeping management informed and involved when necessaryProactively research, plan for, and answer technical questions with respect to design/animation techniques and systems in use at a highly proficient level independently, by delegation or by leading a groupCreate system-wide workflows, scripts, and processesCoordinate with management to provide feedback, improve processes, and apply best practices to all project workflowsPlan and implement hardware and/or software upgrades and new studio buildsTeach, mentor, and assist co-workers and manage the creation and maintenance of on-boarding and training programsProactively collaborate within the ESPN Creative Studio to contribute to long-term initiativesTranslate project details and creative direction into custom design, animation, and layout solutionsPush creativity and software skills to the highest levels, find and exploit new technology, and actively communicate on all phases of a project to maintain the quality of ESPN's on-air productManage special assignments such as in-house/off-site training and technical support for packagers, remote freelancers, and vendorsObserve graphic format deviations and enforce ESPN graphic lookPrepare image files for programsRegularly contribute innovative ideas, displaying the desire to push designs to the highest level, and learn new software to enhance individual versatility in the departmentAdhere to proper file management techniques to ensure efficient archiving and subsequent retrieval of projectsRecognize, report, and help troubleshoot equipment/software/work environment issuesAdhere to all administrative responsibilities, including time entry and daily reporting requirementsMaintain high standards of efficiency, consistency, accuracy, creativity, and timely delivery of all requestsTrack and report on value of contributionsRequired Qualifications:Minimum of 8 years of experience creating and managing graphics in a live production setting at a major studio, network, or production company with a minimum of 2 years of leadership experienceAbility to lead, manage and train developers at all levelsAbility to simultaneously contribute to multiple projects playing different roles, including project managing, leading a team, or contributing as an individualExpert-level knowledge and understanding of a real-time graphics platformExpert-level grasp of broadcast and television production technologiesIndustry-leading 2D and 3D animation skills and excellent use of effective type layoutDrive to learn, create, and apply cutting-edge concepts, techniques and software and the ability to share skills with othersAbility to lead teams while giving and taking direction wellIn possession of exceptional individual and team communication skills, setting expectations with executives and sponsorsIn possession of advanced conceptualization skills, offers unique creative solutions at a plant-wide level, and has the ability to communicate a creative vision to stakeholders and other creativesAbility to forecast, plan and implement new hardware, software, and studio buildsHighly motivated, works well under pressure, effectively prioritizes multiple assignments and changes direction easilyKeen attention to detail, spelling, and grammarAbility and willingness to work flexible hours and occasionally travel and work in a live-TV settingApplicants must provide a link to their online portfolio/demo reelPreferred Requirements:Minimum of 10 years of live broadcast sport or news graphics experience encompassing event and studio workflowsExperience managing people and projectsExperience presenting creative to clients, stakeholders, executives, and sponsorsExpert-level knowledge and understanding of Vizrt and Trio softwareExperience with or understanding of graphics playout in a live settingGood understanding of 3D graphics, modeling, and animation concepts with experience in Cinema4D, Maya, Unreal Engine or other 3D animation programsStrong interest and knowledge of sports and sports cultureMust have reliable transportation to workRequired Education:High School Diploma or EquivalentPreferred Education:Bachelor's degree or equivalent